Old Town Fort Collins is a place for culture, music, socialization and entertainment. It has just about everything you would expect to see as a centralized location in a college town. And we have to admit, we’ve fallen in love with the area and all the wonderful things it has to offer!
Whether you have an afternoon, an entire day or the rest of your life to explore Old Town, there’s no shortage of activities. Start by checking out a few of our favorite things to do and places to go, then plan your visit and get out on the town!
Start Your Day with a Cup o’Joe
Photos courtesy of Everyday Joe’s Coffeehouse and Happy Lucky’s
There’s no better way to begin your day than with a cup of coffee from one of the best shops in the city. Whether you’re exploring the area during the day or venturing out in the evening, you’ll want to stay alert so you can experience all Old Town has to offer. Thankfully, there are several great caffeine options to choose from. Check out our list of The Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins, then hit up The Bean Cycle, Everyday Joe’s Coffeehouse or Mugs Coffee Lounge for a latte, americano or brewed beverage of choice.
For those of you who want something with a little less kick…
Happy Lucky’s has the largest tea selection in Colorado, and you can smell and see all their options (there are over 180 teas!) before deciding on a favorite. Right next door to Old Firehouse Books, it’s the perfect place to read a good book or catch up with an old friend.
Ku Cha House of Tea is a traditional Chinese tea house located in the heart of Old Town. They offer more than 150 different tea varieties, or you can blend your own at the Blend-Your-Own-Tea bar. If you don’t want to take your tea to go, we suggest staying for a traditional Gong Fu tea service, complete with traditional Chinese kettle and settings.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Old Town is packed with wonderful boutiques full of trendy and unique apparel, Fort Collins souvenirs, gifts, art and more. We’ve highlighted just a few of our favorite shopping spots, but the best way to find something you love is to get out there are explore!
Lifestyle + Clothing
Sunday Supply Co. is a clothing and lifestyle boutique started in 2014 by two best friends who wanted to create a comfortable space with a collection of unique and inspiring products. And that’s just what they’ve done. They have clothing, kitchen and bar accessories, art prints, bags and many other items you won’t find anywhere else.
Photos courtesy of Magnolia Moon
Magnolia Moon is a Fort Collins lifestyle and clothing store for both men and women. The boutique was originally opened in a converted office space in 2014. In the first year the owner, Cameron, worked two side jobs and full time at her own store. By the end of her first year she had enough to move into her space in Old Town and we’re so happy to have her and to see her succeed!
Spice + Kitchen
Photos courtesy of Old Town Spice Shop and Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Company
Old Town Spice Shop is a beautiful family owned store that prides itself in quality products and promotes a love of food. They guarantee the freshest spices, jams, marinades and sugars, and even grind a few of their own spices in store!
Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Company has been providing worldly oils and vinegars in Old Town since 2011. Sourced from small batch producers in both hemispheres, their products are some of the best we’ve found and you can even taste test in store — like the Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic or the Cayenne Chili Pepper Olive Oil!
Art
The Center for Fine Art Photography celebrates the art of photography in many forms. As a nonprofit, they strive to support the growth and creativity of artists through galleries, exhibitions and workshops. They host various events year round and have a shop and gallery in their Old Town location.
Metal Forest is a metalworking gallery and store owned by Fort Collins couple, Nina and Mike Stanton. They create all their mountain and Colorado inspired pieces by hand, which would make the perfect addition to your home or as a gift for someone special.
Photos courtesy of Downtown Artery
Downtown Artery is all art, all the time. They work to aid the budding artist in all of us and promote creativity by offering everything an artist or artist appreciator might need: an upstairs gallery, studio space, three bed and breakfast rooms, an artist-staffed cafe, shop, performance venue, recording studio, and band rehearsal space. It’s definitely a must-see!
Bring the Dog Along
Wagz Pet Market is all about the health and happiness of your dog and cat and it’s one of the most fun stores in Old Town to visit if you have a four-legged friend in tow. They offer healthy food, tasty treats, toys, and even life jackets and packs for all your outdoor adventures.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Photos courtesy of Stuft, Slyce and RARE Italian
If there’s one thing we’re not lacking in Old Town, it’s food — and great places to experience a wide range of culinary options! While you’re exploring downtown, you won’t have to venture far to find something delicious and unique. A few of our favorites include:
Slyce Pizza Co. serves our favorite pizza in Old Town. Fresh, creative and unique, this is a must-try for a quick, casual lunch, dinner or late night bite. On Fridays and Saturdays they’re open until 3 a.m.!
Stuft Burger Bar is a great place to visit if you’re looking for more casual fare. You can build your own perfect burger or try their burger of the month which we promise will not disappoint. Pair it with a local beer and you’re set for the perfect afternoon.
Austin’s American Grill is an Old Town favorite — once you’ve hit the red umbrellas, you know you’re in the right place. With some of the best comfort food in Northern Colorado, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal. Stop by for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch!
And if you’re looking for an upscale destination, RARE Italian is the place to go. It’s comfortable, but classy and offers classic Italian fare made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Have an Unforgettable Experience
Photos courtesy of Enigma Escape Rooms and French Nest Open Air Market
Enigma Escape Room is essentially an hour long, suspenseful puzzle and it’s the most fun you’ll have all week. You and your friends are trapped in a room and find clues throughout in an effort to escape. For more information on this unique outing, read our guide here.
Every third Saturday May – October, The French Nest Open Air Market provides an outdoor shopping experience featuring vintage, antique, artisan handmade and hand-collected goods in Civic Center Park. If you’re around in the summer and fall, be sure to stop by for shopping as well as coffee, pastries, food, face painting and performers.
Sip on a Local Libation
Photos courtesy of Coopersmith’s, Pateros Creek Brewing Company and Social
One thing you definitely expect to find in a college town are plenty of interesting places to grab a drink. Old Town is home to several local breweries — complete with brews and tours — and (our favorite) a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge.
Equinox Brewing, Coopersmith’s Brewery and Pub and Pateros Creek Brewing Company are all conveniently located in Old Town. They serve up local brews, tastings and growler fills so we suggest making a day of it and visiting each one for a sample!
Social is our go-to-spot when we’re craving a cocktail because they offer both expertly crafted drinks and one of the most unique atmospheres in town. Be sure to try their tequila cocktail, When Doves Cry — which made our list of best cocktails in FoCo!
Attend an Event
If you’re looking for something extra special, Old Town hosts several events throughout the year. No matter the season, Old Town is booming with activities and events to help support our local community!
Monthly
The Fort Collins Foodie Walk is a self guided walking tour through Old Town with stops along the way at local culinary shops. Every third Friday of the month, residents come together to celebrate our local foodie community and, of course, do some taste testing!
First Friday Gallery Walks are self-guided tours through Old Town’s art shops and displays (all 18 of them!). Head to Old Town on the first Friday of every month to celebrate our art community.
Annual
FoCo’s most candy-filled event, Tiny Tot Halloween is coming up on October 31st. All children under seven and their parents are invited to this annual trick-or-treat festival. Area businesses hand out candy and offer specials in the spirit of the holiday. It’s not every day you get to explore downtown Fort Collins in costume!
Photo courtesy of Tour de Corgi
Tour de Corgi is a new annual event in Old Town benefitting 4 Paws Pet Pantry and Wyoming Dachshund and Corgi Rescue. If you couldn’t guess from the name, it’s a parade of Corgis through Old Town and it’s, without a doubt, the most fun parade we’ve ever seen. Check out this recap and photo gallery of 2016’s Tour and get ready for 2017! It’ll be the third annual parade.
FORToberfest is Fort Collins’ Oktoberfest with all the FoCo flair you’ve come to expect. It’s a celebration of local music, local beer and sustainability — in other words, bikes, beers, bands, and everything else our city is famous for. It’s scheduled for mid-September each year; don’t miss it in 2017!
Colorado and Fort Collins specifically have a thriving music scene. And Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest is a great way to recognize all the local talent. This three-day music festival takes place in late summer and features Colorado musicians from every genre and age group. And the best part is, it’s free to the public!
Enjoy yourself
No matter if you live in this great community or you’re just passing through, there is so much to love about Old Town and the Fort Collins community. So have fun, and share with us your favorite experiences!
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